Amino acids foster the release of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which helps in regulating sleep and pleasure. Not having enough amino acids has a negative effect on anxiety, insomnia and stress.

According to the Medical Center at the University of Maryland, L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid that can be obtained from certain foods such as white meat, eggs, dairy products, dark chocolate, nuts, seeds, and fruits such as bananas and cherries.

According to their website, the University of Maryland recommends eating foods rich in this amino acid to help improve sleep hygiene. Similarly, according to theMedlinePlus website, eating foods on a daily basis that have L-tryptophan can reduce the mood swings, stress and irritability experienced by women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Also, according to a study published in the journalPsychological Medicine, in addition to functioning as an independent antidepressant, foods with L-tryptophan can also improve the effect of other antidepressant drugs, making it unnecessary to consume this type of medicine as frequently and improving the patient’s quality of life.

The contents of all Salud Coomeva Medicina Prepagada S.A. magazine articles are illustrative in nature and/or for general knowledge. In no case are they meant to replace the advice or guidance of a physician. Readers shall not use this information in order to self-diagnose and/or perform an analysis, diagnosis or treatment of a disease or health problem without consulting with a certified physician.